This is an account of my birding trips in the valley plus holidays birding abroad.

Friday, 7 December 2012

7th November Nagasaki Japan

Pre morning from the navigator after rounding the islands of Ioshima and Okinoshima we will make
our way to the harbour,this was the birthplace of the Diamond Princess.
After passing under Megami Ohashi bridge we will make our way to Masugae Quay

Got up 0535hrs prepared for our trip inland on arrival Black Kites circle the harbour,crows
mobbed and Japanese wagtails obliged.

Boarded our coach after finger printing formalities.It was60c around 0700hrs as we went through the
Nakao tunnel one of many tunnels on route passing through Isahaya.

Noting many birds on route and at Ariake Bay an Osprey.

First stop was the historic town of Shimabara the "Bukeyashiki" Old Samurai Houses.
It was known as "Teppo -machi" gun town from the town houses of foot soldiers.

After leaving the Samurai houses we took the coach to Shimabara castle,formerley called
"Moritake".

This large scale castle was larger than normal for a feudal lord with revenues of only
40,000 koku.Bird of note here was white throated rock thrush.

Next up was the replica village devastated by an earthquake Mizunashi Honjin. This small
village was buried by ash during an eruption of Mount Fugen in 1991.

Around the site I noted the superb Daurian redstart,this beautifully coloured bird posed
at some distance.

While using the loos I managed to see some more birds in the hedges and fields adjacent.

The striking Elegant bunting perched prominantly though distant and the Eurasian Siskin in
the car park just before leaving.

The area is now a memorial site to the volcanic devastation. Lunch was Japanese at
Hotel Nampuro,the Miso soup was superb on the way back Isahaya and Ariake Bay confirmed
as great bird sites in Andrew Wrights blog.

We returned to the ship tired a band and local dancers bade us farewell playing 1 NIL to
the Arsenal a Wenger anthem as we cruised under the suspension bridge out of Nagasaki.

About Me

I have been a local Naturalist and Ornithologist since the age of 13.
My boyhood was spent in Croxley Green where I searched for birds nests in the woodlands and river valleys.see colnevalleybirding.co.uk for more info.